Description
How can the ancient philosophy of Stoicism guide us in modern public life?
This panel from Stoicon 2025 explores "Civic Engagement in Action," moving beyond personal virtue to discuss how Stoic principles are being practically applied in communities.
Join moderator Gregory Lopez (Founder of New York City Stoics) as he leads a discussion with four distinguished panelists who are tangibly practicing Stoicism in a civic capacity.
FEATURING:
Moderator: Gregory Lopez
* Founder of New York City Stoics, co-founder of The Stoic Fellowship, and co-author of A Handbook for New Stoics.
Panelists:
* Meredith Alexandra Kunz: Writer, communications leader, and author of "The Stoic Mom" on Substack.
* Allie Nava: Author of the survival adventure July and Everything After.
* Leonidas Konstantakos: International Relations theorist specializing in Stoicism and Just War Theory, teaching at Florida International University and Miami Dade College.
* Ross Payton: Former counter-extremism practitioner and a graduate of King's College London in national security.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Welcome & Introduction to the Panel
0:45 - Introducing the Moderator: Gregory Lopez
2:45 - Introducing the Panelists
5:23 - Q1: What is your civic work? (Meredith Kunz)
10:28 - Q1: (Allie Nava)
13:25 - Q1: (Leonidas Konstantakos)
15:27 - Q1: (Ross Payton)
17:35 - Q2: Did Stoicism or civic engagement come first? (Leonidas Konstantakos)
20:25 - Q2: (Ross Payton)
22:20 - Q2: (Allie Nava)
24:43 - Q2: (Meredith Kunz)
27:14 - Q3: What advice would you give a Stoic who wants to be civically engaged? (Ross Payton)
29:06 - Q3: (Allie Nava)
30:30 - Q3: (Meredith Kunz)
33:04 - Q3: (Leonidas Konstantakos)
34:36 - Audience Q: How do you reach out to marginalized communities?
35:08 - Leonidas's Answer
36:26 - Meredith's Answer
37:27 - Audience Q: How do you manage your mindset when dealing with potential terrorism or extreme views?
37:52 - Allie's Answer
40:17 - Ross's Answer
41:40 - Concluding Remarks